Alcohol can alter the normal development of the fetus (unborn baby).
The possible effects of fetal alcohol exposure include brain damage, birth defects, poor growth before and after birth, low IQ or learning difficulties, delayed development, social and behavioural problems and problems with hearing, speech and vision.
If these problems aren't identified and intervention strategies put into place, it can result in secondary disabilities which can include early school leaving, drug and alcohol addiction, mental health problems, inappropriate sexual behaviour and trouble with the police.
Many women choose to abstain from alcohol completely when they are
pregnant or trying to get pregnant to avoid any risk that their
unborn child will be exposed to alcohol.